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Sequelae of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis and its management
Amrita Mohanty1, Sanchita Mitra2, Aparajita Mallick2
1Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Purpose:
: To characterize the sequelae of microsporidia keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) and outline its management.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of microbiologically proven MKC returned with persistent disease between January 2015 and December 2019 was done. Demographics, clinical features, management, and outcome were analyzed.
Results:
Sixteen patients (21 eyes) of 332 treated for MKC returned with the persisting disease. The mean age of 11 males (68.7%), and 5 females was 35.1 ± 12.2 years. Three-quarter of them did not have a known predisposing risk factor and one-quarter of them were referred for chronic conjunctivitis. Past medications included topical antivirals (n = 8) and topical corticosteroid (n = 6). Three predominant presentations were persistent (>3 weeks) superficial punctate keratitis (SPKs, n = 7), sub-epithelial infiltrates (SEIs, n = 13), and uveitis (n = 2). The lesions recurred in eight eyes (SPK and SEI 4 each) after a disease-free interval of 60.4 ± 40.6 days; there were 13 episodes of recurrence. Topical low potent corticosteroids (loteprednol/fluorometholone), and tacrolimus ointment 0.03% were used in 17 (80.9%) and 8 (38%) eyes, respectively, for a mean duration of 44.8 ± 31.6 and 226.8 ± 180.5 days, respectively. At follow-up, 172.3 ± 183.6 days, visual recovery was statistically significant in persistent eyes (BCVA 0.07 ± 0.07 logMAR; P < 0.00001) but, not in recurrent eyes (BCVA 0.16 ± 0.08 logMAR; P = 0.07). Five of 21 eyes were left with residual significant scar.
Conclusion:
The sequelae of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis are not uncommon. Topical 0.03% tacrolimus ointment appeared to be an effective corticosteroid-sparing agent for the treatment of SEIs and prevention of recurrence.
Insights
Microsporidia keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) can lead to persistent or recurrent eye disease. Topical tacrolimus ointment shows promise in managing subepithelial infiltrates and preventing recurrence, acting as a corticosteroid-sparing agent.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) can present with persistent or recurrent ocular inflammation.
- Understanding the sequelae and effective management strategies for MKC is crucial for visual recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the long-term consequences (sequelae) of microsporidia keratoconjunctivitis.
- To outline and evaluate management approaches for persistent and recurrent MKC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of microbiologically confirmed MKC cases with persistent disease from January 2015 to December 2019.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, clinical presentations, treatment interventions, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Sixteen patients (21 eyes) experienced persistent MKC, with common presentations including superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) and subepithelial infiltrates (SEI).
- Recurrences were observed in eight eyes, with topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus ointment being common treatments.
- Visual recovery was significant in persistent cases, but not in recurrent cases, with some eyes developing residual scarring.
Conclusions:
- Sequelae of MKC are relatively common and can impact visual outcomes.
- Topical 0.03% tacrolimus ointment appears effective for treating SEIs and preventing recurrence, serving as a valuable corticosteroid-sparing option.
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